Yacht charter Pula

  By Lila Kergall 

February 25, 2022

Map of sailing areas in Croatia (clickable map)

Summary

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from Pula
2. What to do when you charter a sailboat in Pula?
3. Where can I sail from Pula?
4. What activities should I prioritize during my cruise in Croatia?
5. The most beautiful anchorages from your yacht charter in Pula
6. What sailing itinerary should you follow?
7. What are the weather conditions?

"Everything is beautiful in Croatia. The sun, the warm, transparent sea, the beauty of the islands… It's a perfect destination for a family vacation!". This is the testimony of Sébastien, who set sail from Pula with his family on a Dufour 50. He adds, "You can anchor your boat in wild places, it's great! There is so much to see in Istria and the Bay of Kvarner, I recommend renting for two weeks. If you are not familiar with northern Croatia, you will be pleasantly surprised by the breathtaking scenery and the beauty of the islands ofIstria and the Gulf of Kvarner.

Located in the south of Istria, Pula is by far the largest city in the region. As one of the most popular vacation destinations, let yourself be tempted by yacht charter in Croatia. In addition to being a charming coastal city, Pula is a veritable open-air museum. Renting a boat in Pula is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Istria, a picturesque region in northern Croatia. Along the coast, you will find numerous anchorages, perfect for enjoying some relaxation and scuba diving.

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from Pula

Yacht charter in Pula: with or without a skipper?

Average rates for yacht charters in Pula according to the season and size of the boat

Below is a table showing the average prices for yacht charters from Pula for one week. These prices are a rough dead reckoning and may vary depending on the season, the model and the age of the boat.

The port of Pula

Start your cruise in Istria and Kvarner Bay from one of the three marinas that surround the city of Pula:ACI Marina Pula,ACI Marina Veruda andACI Marina Pomer. The ACI Marinas (Adriatic Croatia International Club) are semi-private organizations offering services at a fairly high price, but these are of high quality and their marinas are well equipped, clean and modern. Once you arrive at Pula airport, don't worry, the drive to your marina will take no more than 20 minutes!

ACI Marina Pula can accommodate 200 boats and you can take advantage of various services and facilities: electricity, water, showers, toilets, fuel and Wi-Fi. This marina has the advantage of being close to the center of Pula, which is convenient for visiting the old town. From the quay, you can see Pula's superb Roman amphitheater. A little further south, the ACI Marina Veruda is larger and also offers a wide range of services. It can accommodate up to 630 boats. Finally, the ACI Marina Pomer is the third marina, even further south of Pula, but only a 15-minute drive from the airport. Also offering many services and amenities, the Pomer marina can accommodate up to 294 boats.

Our main partners on site

• Dream Yacht Charter offers close to 1,000 boats in more than 60 destinations. The company was founded in the Seychelles in 2000, and its aim is to enable its customers to discover the freedom of sailing on the water! You can rent your boat with Dream Yacht Charter from the ACI Marina Pula or Pomer. 338 Filovent customers have left with Dream Yacht Charter and among them, those who went on a cruise from Pula have validated the quality of DYC's service by giving it an average satisfaction rating of 17.5/20.

• Pitter Yachting is an Austrian yacht charter company founded in 1989. This partner has 15 bases in Croatia, including Pula. Their desire to offer quality yachts to pleasure boaters is confirmed by Olivier, a Filovent customer: "I took a Lagoon 40 on a charter from ACI Marina Pomer with Pitter: the boat was in perfect condition and the staff were really friendly." 37 Filovent customers went on a cruise with Pitter Yachting, and the average satisfaction rating given by Filovent customers who went on a cruise from Pula is 17/20.

• Ultra Sailing began its yacht charter business in Split in 1995 and brings together a team of sailing enthusiasts to offer you a high-quality, tailor-made service. Their fleet consists of 60 models of monohulls (Beneteau) and catamarans (Fountaine Pajot), and they offer sailboat charters in the marinas of Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik and Pula. Filovent customers who have opted for a sailboat charter in Pula with Ultra Sailing have given them an average satisfaction rating of 18/20.

2. What can you do during a sailboat charter in Pula?

What is there to visit in Pula?

Before boarding your boat, discover one of the most beautiful Roman amphitheatres that is still accessible and remarkably well preserved, right in the heart of the city. Once able to accommodate more than 25,000 spectators, the venue has now been converted into an open-air concert hall. Other unmissable monuments such as the Temple of Augustus andthe Arch of the Sergii bear witness to the historical importance of Pula. The Pula tourist office also recommends visiting other cultural and heritage sites such as: Pula Castle and the underground tunnels of Zerostrasse. For museum lovers, head to the olive oil museum or the Istrian museum of contemporary art.

Which are the most beautiful beaches?

While Pula is a destination that shines through its historical treasures, it also stands out for its majestic pebble beaches, which are typical of most beaches in Croatia. An employee of the Pula tourist office told me the following: "In Pula, you can find the beach that best suits your needs! You're in the right place if you're looking for an easy access or a beach with jumping sites." The latter are indeed suitable for various water sports and pleasant swims in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.Ambrela beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag and is located at the entrance to the seaside resort of Verudela, is perfect for families looking to relax in the shade. Banjole beach is also suitable for families. Bordered by pine woods, it is the ideal solution for enjoying the beach while making sure that your children stay in the shade.

Those who love beautiful panoramas will enjoy Fazana beach and its many footbridges leading to the sea. It offers a magnificent view of the Brijuni Islands, a preserved archipelago located a few kilometers from the coast.

3. Where can you sail when you take a sailboat charter from Pula?

Along the west coast of Istria

During your yacht charter from Pula, you absolutely must make a stop atthe Brijuni archipelago ( ). Comprising 14 islands and islets, this unmissable location was recognized as a National Park in 1983. It is located along the west coast of Istria, just 4 miles from the ACI Marina in Pula. This little paradise for yachtsmen is known for the original shape of its islands, with their very rounded forms. On your arrival at the edge of the archipelago, you can moor at the port of Veli Brijun or choose one of the many bays with pebble beaches on the island of Mali Brijun.

"We went to the Brijuni National Park once. It's a place I recommend! It's a really nice place to visit. There are lots of animals and you can even see dinosaur footprints," explains Olivier, a Filovent customer who went sailing in the area in January on the side of his boat, a Lagoon 40. The Brijuni archipelago is home to an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna. On land, you will encounter rabbits, deer, mouflons and birds, but also exotic animals in the Brijuni Safari Park. The underwater world is also very populated. So put on your masks and snorkels, and set off to meet the multitude of fish, dolphins and turtles that surround the islands. We suggest you don't miss a visit to the island of Veliki Brijun, where more than 200 dinosaur footprints have been found. It's magnificent! "On the Brijuni Islands, there is also the former residence of Tito (the former Yugoslav president) and his Cadillac on display, which is quite funny," adds Olivier.

Continuing up the west coast of Istria, you will come tothe ACI Marina in Rovinj, where anchored boats can moor. The marina is very luxurious and offers a splendid view of the old town. It is a pleasant anchorage for spending the night and you will be protected in case of strong westerly winds. "In Rovinj, there is a great hotel that completely integrates the landscape: the Grand Park Hotel. It is a luxury hotel with lots of restaurants and even a gourmet restaurant." Olivier told me when he was telling me about his cruise in the Adriatic Sea. Also known as "little Venice", the city of Rovinj is known for the Venetian influence on its architecture, which you will be able to see for yourself during your visit to the historic center.

Sailing between the islands of the Gulf of Kvarner

The Gulf of Kvarner has four large islands: Krk, Rab, Cres and Lošinj. Heading southeast, you will reach the island of Cres, easily recognizable by its immense cliffs. Don't hesitate to drop anchor and take a dip in the largest lake in all of Croatia, Vransko Jezero. On the west coast of the island, go ashore and let yourself be charmed by the small stone village of Lubenice. Perched on a 378-meter-high rock, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Istria. While you're in the area, I strongly recommend anchoring your boat at Plava Grota beach and visiting the famous Blue Cave! To enjoy the bright light inside the cave, I suggest you go there in the late afternoon, when the sun illuminates the back chamber of the cave.

The island of Lošinj, linked to Cres by a deck, is located further south and is also worth a visit. Sail to the Marina Mali Lošinj, where you will appreciate the calm atmosphere of the port. Not far from there is the Lošinj Underwater Archaeological Museum in Čikat Bay. Accompanied by a diving instructor, you will discover some relics from the Second World War underwater.

The Lošinj Underwater Archaeological Museum in Čikat Bay (Video by Daniel Pavlovic)

 

If your sailing itinerary allows, Davor, base manager of our partner Dream Yacht Charter in Pula, suggests you sail to the island of Silba, the northernmost of the Dalmatian islands. He invites you to climb to the top of Toreta tower to enjoy a panoramic view of northern Dalmatia.

Continue your voyage to the island of Krk, once known as the "golden island" because of its ideal climate. Stroll through the capital of Krk, which has retained its authenticity and history, then visit its medieval heritage as Olivier did: "The old town of Krk is very nice and there are many things to visit. There were three bell towers, just like in Italy! The town is cute and pleasant, with lovely views and beautiful walks to enjoy." Enjoy the island's most beautiful beaches in Baška: stroll hand in hand on the romantic beach of Vela Luka and enjoy the translucent waters of the large beach of Vela Plaža. Finally, don't leave the island without visiting the Biserujka caves. This unmissable stop invites you to explore different underground chambers made up of stalactites, stalagmites and calcite columns.

Before ending your cruise, you will have to stop over onthe island of Rab, just south of Krk. A true cultural gem, the smallest island in the Kvarner archipelago has even charmed the English royal family. Enjoy a stroll through the old stone walled town, typical of Croatia, where there is something new to discover on every street corner. On the island of Rab, treat yourself to the famous Rapska torta pastry (which means "Rab cake" in English). What's more, if you happen to be there between July 25th and 27th, you can enjoy the Rab fair, a historic gathering of locals in honor of King Ljudevit Veliki, who liberated the city from the Venetians. Finally, you can bask on one of the few sandy beaches to be found in Croatia, such as Sahara beach, Paradis beach or Pudarica beach with the Santos beach club.

4. What activities should you prioritize during your yacht charter in Croatia?

Water sports

Surfers and windsurfers will love the beaches of Premantura, located on a peninsula south of Pula. Renowned for its rocky beaches and picturesque bays, it is the ideal spot for water sports. Swimming in crystal-clear water, kayaking, windsurfing and volleyball await you at Cape Kamejak, in the south of Istria. Although there is an entrance fee to maintain good maintenance, this place is a true unspoiled natural paradise. Thanks to the many trails and cycle paths, you can easily stroll through this reserve to enjoy the magnificent landscapes it has to offer.

Festival and cultural events

Party lovers, we haven't forgotten you! You'll find what you're looking for at Valkana beach, which hosts numerous cultural events such as the Valkane Summer Beach Festival, which brings together all electronic music enthusiasts.

Hiking and cycling

Starting from Kamenjak beach, you can, for example, veer off on a long hike or bike ride through the heart of the park, home to a particularly diverse range of flora and fauna. Budding botanists will enjoy immortalizing the medicinal, aromatic and endemic plants populating the peninsula.

Discovering Croatian cuisine

Going on a cruise also means discovering the local culture of a country and, more specifically, its culinary specialties. In Pula, you will find many typical Croatian and Istrian dishes. It is a Mediterranean cuisine with somewhat Italian influences. Maneštra is one of the main traditional dishes, a vegetable stew made with corn, which is very popular in this region. Often served as a starter, it can become a main course when meat is added.

Fish and seafood feature strongly in the gastronomic culture of this region, such as in brudet or buzara, once again in the form of a stew. Don't leave Pula without having tasted the culinary pride of the region, Istarstki tartuf truffles, which are found in many dishes. On the sweet side, the region's desserts are mainly based on fried dough.

5. The most beautiful anchorages from your yacht charter in Pula

The Limski Canal (Limski Kanal)

"There's a fjord below Vrsar where we went by boat and it's quite fun. There's a place with a pretty cave and a bar that must be quite lively in the summer, with music and a good atmosphere." These are the words of Olivier when he told me about his cruise in Istria.

Just below the town of Vsar north of Pula is the Leme Canal. When you go on your yacht charter in Croatia, sail along the 11 kilometers of the canal, passing by the Romuald Cave, where some of the oldest remains of the Istrians were discovered. As Olivier has noticed, at the beginning of the path you will come across the Pirate bar, half-built in a cave. If you continue to the end of the canal, you can sample oysters grown in the canal at Tony's Oyster Shack!

Susak

"You have to visit Susak, it's really nice! It's very different from the other rocky and mountainous islands you find in Croatia. It's a kind of completely atypical sandbank with a really pleasant little village". These are the words of Sébastien, a Filovent customer, when he told me about his best memories of his cruise in the Kvarner gulf.

On the island of Susak, you won't find any great mountains, but rather modest hills. It is indeed more "flat" than the other islands in the navigation zone. You can moor at the Susak Marina and enjoy the fine sandy beach just opposite. After looking at the many reviews of this anchorage, I strongly advise you to go and immortalize this moment of your cruise by climbing up the hill to the Konoba "Barbara" restaurant, to enjoy a good meal while admiring the view of the islands of the Adriatic Sea.

Maracol Bay (Unije)

"Unije is a truly magnificent island. It is quite wild and not very well known because even in August there weren't many people. It's a little gem!" Sébastien, a Filovent customer, tells me.

Unije Island is the closest island to Pula in a south-easterly direction. The Maracol anchorage was recommended to me by Davor, base manager of Dream Yacht Charter at ACI Marina Pomer. The bay is located on the south side of the island and is known for the dolphins that come to visit the yachtsmen. It is also an ideal place for snorkeling!

Uvala Drenova (Rab)

On the island of Rab, follow Olivier's example and drop anchor at Uvala Drenova in the south of the island. "Uvala" means cove in Croatian, and you won't be disappointed by Drenova cove with its fine sandy beach secluded within its high cliffs!

Krivika Bay and Balvanida Bay (Mali Lošinj)

The last anchorages suggested by our partner Dream Yacht Charter are Krivika and Balvanida bays in the south of the island of Lošinj. Both bays are well protected from the wind, so you can stay there overnight. They are generally appreciated for their sandy bottoms and their turquoise and translucent waters. There are not many buoys in either bay, so we advise you to arrive early to find a place.

6. What sailing itinerary should you follow?

One-week sailing itinerary in Kvarner Bay starting from the ACI Marina in Pula-Pomer

The sailing itinerary I have put together for you is inspired by a sailing itinerary proposed by Dream Yacht Charter and sailing itineraries taken by Filovent customers. This sailing itinerary invites you to discover the islands of Cres andLošinj, passing by the islets that surround them. With a total of 113 nautical miles covered in 6 days, this cruise promises to be fairly calm. The average navigation time per day is around 4 hours, which will leave you time to go ashore to visit Croatian villages and points of interest!

Total distance traveled: 113 miles

• Day 1: ACI Marina Pomer → Uvala Slanci, Otok Zeča →Maracôlbay, Unije (26 miles - 5 hours)
• Day 2: Maracôl bay, Unije → Uvala Bok, Susak → MaliLošinj(14 miles - 3 hours)
• Day 3: MaliLošinj→ Uvala Krivica,Lošinj→ Baldarin Pogana (17 miles - 4 hours)
• Day 4: Baldarin Pogana → Blue Cave - Plava Grota → Valun (28 miles - 6 hours)
• Day 5: Valun → ACI Marina Cres (4 miles - 1 hour)
• Day 6: ACI Marina Cres → ACI Marina Pomer (24 miles - 5 hours)

DAY 1: ACI Marina Pomer → Uvala Slanci, Otok Zeča → Maracôl bay, Unije (26 miles - 5 hours)

Start your voyage towards Slanci Bay on the small islandof Otok Zeča. This first anchorage in the heart of nature invites you to dive into the crystal-clear sea with its sandy seabed and observe the many fish! Then head towards the islandof Unije and anchor your boat in Maracôl Bay. The bay is known for its calm and the dolphins that come to visit, you will be well sheltered there. For the first evening, don't hesitate to take the pretty path to the village of Unije! You can enjoy dinner with a splendid view of the sunset at the Konoba Kod Joze restaurant (I suggest you book in advance to avoid waiting).

DAY 2: Maracôl bay, Unije → Uvala Bok, Susak → Mali Lošinj (14 miles - 3 hours)

For the second day, I recommend you have your boat anchored for the day in Uvala Bok on the island of Susak and enjoy the beach and a swim in the clear waters. You can also choose to go to the port of Susak right next door to have lunch on land and enjoy the family-friendly sandy beach. For the night, head for the marina of MaliLošinj (services: electricity, water and fuel), where you can enjoy the lively village with a wide choice of shops, bars and restaurants. For fish lovers, I recommend you visit the Fish Market, which is open in the harbor from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You can buy freshly caught fish from the region!

DAY 3: Mali Lošinj → Uvala Krivica, Lošinj → Baldarin Pogana, Cres (17 miles - 4 hours)

Head for the sheltered bay of Krivica for the morning and enjoy a swim in this quiet, unspoiled spot. Then head back to the island of Cres and take advantage of the sheltered anchorage at Baldarin Pogana for the night. You can anchor at the buoy in the bay, or at the Pogana marina (services: electricity and water). The anchorage offers a superb point of view for the sunset. I suggest the Restaurant Pogana for its value for money and the service appreciated by yachtsmen!

DAY 4: Baldarin Pogana → Blue Cave - Plava Grota → Valun (28 miles - 6 hours)

Hoist the sails in the direction of Plava Grota, where I invite you to visit the fabulous Blue Cave. You can access it by paddle or by swimming. Go there in the late afternoon to enjoy the spectacular reflections of the sun's rays inside the cave. Then, pass the point of the island to anchor your boat in the small picturesque village of Valun for the night.

DAY 5: Valun → ACI Marina Cres (4 miles - 1 hour)

In the early morning, discover Valun, then take a taxi to Lubenice (5 minutes' drive). This stone village is perched high on the island of Cres and offers a breathtaking view of the sea. For your last night, head tothe fully equipped (electricity, water, showers, toilets, fuel)ACI Marina de Cres. In 10 minutes on foot, you can reach the city center and take a stroll. For history and culture enthusiasts, head to the Museum of Cres, located in the Gothic-Renaissance Arsan Palace. For the evening, enjoy the bars and restaurants along the lively harbor!

DAY 6: ACI Marina Cres → ACI Marina Pomer (24 miles - 5 hours)

The last day of sailing is spent crossing the Gulf of Kvarner towards the marina of Pomer. Leave at the end of the morning to reach Pomer in the afternoon and spend a last night at the marina before returning your boat. You can fill up with fuel at the Medulin marina petrol station just before arriving in Pomer.

7. What are the weather conditions?

Pula is the ideal destination for your next vacation on the side of your chartered boat. The climate is temperate all year round and the Adriatic Sea offers optimal swimming conditions. Navigation is rather simple with relatively little wind. This rarely exceeds 12 knots.

"I've always sailed in the Atlantic, so it's a bit of a change! Generally speaking, the sailing conditions were fairly calm. We mainly had a relatively constant northwest wind," explains Sébastien, a Filovent customer. The prevailing winds are the land breeze in the afternoon or the thermal breeze from the northwest. You may also encounter the Jugo or Sirocco, which are fairly warm winds from the south. Finally, beware of the Bora, a north wind that sometimes blows over the Adriatic Sea. It can be compared to the Mistral in the south of France, but it never blows for too long. Finally, between May and September, you will enjoy a warm and dry climate. The air temperature varies between 20°C and 27°C and you can cool off in water that is generally above 20°C.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Olivier and Sébastien, Filovent customers who took the time to share their experiences for my article, as well as Davor from Dream Yacht Charter and the Pula tourist office for their advice and photos!